2014 Toyota FT-1 Concept – Review

If you want to know what plans Toyota had for this baby when they launched it, the FT stands for ‘Future Toyota’ and the ‘1’ represents the ultimate. Initially devised as a car for the Sony PlayStation Gran Turismo game environment, the FT-1 stole the show with its launch during the 2014 Auto Show at Detroit with its coupe design. Alex Shen, Calty’s studio Chief Designer said, ‘Our team was heavily influenced by Toyota’s sports car past, expecially Celica and Supra, and we sought to capture some of that history. It is an aggressive, track-focused sports car concept with a presence that has been amplified for shock and awe.’

The design language has been termed ‘function sculpting’ and yields curved, muscular, expressive body forms. The car seems to be raring to go on the track with its inlets, ducting, taut surfaces, dramatic fender forms and venting along with elements of purposeful airflow management. Additional downforce is created with the help of retractable rear wing which deploys and tilts forward at higher speeds. The body is complete with a red finish.

The interior is an intimate, low slung cockpit locating the driver at the controls right behind a steering wheel inspired by F1. The display zone is delta shaped and surrounds the driver to integrate him into its working and give him a complete and exhilarating driving experience. The designing of the upholstery is sparse with an emphasis on lightweight components such as the composite seat with just the right amount of padding in the areas which come into contact with the driver. A colour heads up display projects the vital information just above the steering wheel so that the driver can focus on the road as well as consult it.

Technical specifications have not been disclosed yet but Toyota promises FT-1 to be symbolic of a new chapter for Toyota Global Design.